Sweet Spots

Artisans continue to find new ways to tap into Detroit’s manufacturing spirit

Published: January 29, 2016

Handcrafted treats from local confectioners

Artisans continue to find new ways to tap into Detroit’s manufacturing spirit. And customers are getting a pretty sweet deal out of this craft boom, with plenty of handmade choices from confectioners.

/// Pete’s Chocolate Co.

Pete Steffy learned how to make chocolate in southern Mexico, where people have honed their craft from thousands of years of cocoa cultivation. The Detroit-based chocolatier offers truffles such as dark chocolate and rosemary sea salt made with locally sourced dairy. There’s also a line of hot chocolate mixes made with Michigan sugar as well as custom-made party favors. peteschocolate.com

/// Chewy’s Gourmet Kitchen

/// Crème Detroipolis

Owner Johnny Jenkins brings a Southern love for the sweet potato to Detroit from his native Louisiana. He specializes in sweet potato pie, of course, but also dishes that defy expectations, such as sweet potato truffles, cinnamon chip cookies, and rum cake. facebook.com/CremeDetroipolis

/// Sweet Artisan Marshmallows

This East English Village shop takes an exacting approach to the campfire snack. There are no dyes or imitation flavors, and they offer fluffy decadence in the form of fruit, caramel, chocolate, and other sophisticated flavors. facebook.com/SweetArtisanMarshmallows

/// Mindo Chocolate Makers

This Dexter-based company takes a “bean-to-bar” approach, working directly with organic farmers in Ecuador. Mindo’s chocolate is more for the “food of the gods” crowd than your standard “candy.” They sell bars of up to 87 percent pure chocolate, including varieties that use Michigan cherries and blueberries. They’re also willing to experiment, offering a hot pepper “rustic” chocolate bar. You can also do it yourself and purchase their roasted or unroasted cacao. mindochocolate.com